It is a poem I’ve learn yearly since 1999.
Merry Christmas, My Pal
This poem’s creator, James M. Schmidt, was a Lance Corporal stationed in Washington, D.C., when he wrote the poem again in 1986.
Twas the night time earlier than Christmas, he lived on their own, In a one bed room home made from plaster & stone.
I had come down the chimney, with presents to present and to see simply who on this dwelling did reside
As I appeared all about, a wierd sight I did see, no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stocking by the hearth, simply boots full of sand. On the wall hung footage of a far distant land.
With medals and badges, awards of all type, a sobering thought quickly got here to my thoughts. For this home was completely different, in contrast to any I would seen. This was the house of a U.S. Marine.
I would heard tales about them, I needed to see extra, so I walked down the corridor and pushed open the door. And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone, Curled up on the ground in his one-bedroom dwelling.
He appeared so mild, his face so serene, Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine. Was this the hero, of whom I’d simply learn? Curled up in his poncho, a flooring for his mattress?
His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan. I quickly understood, this was greater than a person. For I noticed the households that I noticed that night time, owed their lives to those males, who had been keen to battle.
Quickly across the Nation, the youngsters would play, And grown-ups would have fun on a shiny Christmas day. All of them loved freedom, every month and all yr, due to Marines like this one mendacity right here.
I couldn’t assist marvel what number of lay alone, on a chilly Christmas Eve, in a land removed from dwelling. Simply the very thought introduced a tear to my eye. I dropped to my knees and I began to cry.
He will need to have awoken, for I heard a tough voice, “Santa, do not cry, this life is my alternative I battle for freedom, I do not ask for extra. My life is my God, my nation, my Corps.”
With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep, I could not management it, I continued to weep.
I watched him for hours, so silent and nonetheless. I seen he shivered from the chilly night time’s chill. So I took off my jacket, the one made from pink, and coated this Marine from his toes to his head. Then I placed on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold, with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so daring. And though it barely match me, I started to swell with satisfaction, and for one shining second, I used to be Marine Corps deep inside.
I did not wish to go away him so quiet within the night time, this guardian of honor so keen to battle. However half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clear and pure, mentioned “Keep on, Santa, it is Christmas Day, all safe.” One have a look at my watch and I knew he was proper, Merry Christmas my pal, Semper Fi and goodnight.
You may see Jake Wooden, Erick Miyares, Todd Opalski, John Shrek McPhee, Zack Harrison, Beau Smart, and a number of other different Fight Story company on this one!
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